Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Panelists from the DeSales Media Group, a leading provider of Catholic news and content, recently spoke to journalism students at St. John's University about the importance of upholding industry values. The panelists included Alicia Venter, Michelle Powers, and Christine Persichette, who shared their insights on the values that guide their work at DeSales.

DeSales Media Group, which is a ministry of the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY, is unique in its mission to provide Catholics with a deeper understanding of the faith through various media channels. While their coverage is from a Catholic perspective, they adhere to industry standards of fairness, diversity, proper sourcing, and audience sensitivities.

Christine Persichette, anchor of DeSales' nightly news program Currents News, emphasized the importance of seeking out all angles and sides of every story. She encouraged the students to remain balanced and objective in their reporting, saying, "What you think about the issue doesn't matter. My work is balanced, and no one ever knows my views."

Michelle Powers, Senior Manager of News Operations at DeSales, highlighted the impact of faith-based stories on the audience. She stressed the need for accuracy, fairness, and diversity in reporting, while upholding the Catholic faith. Powers emphasized the importance of setting a higher standard for Catholic journalism by covering underreported issues.

Alicia Venter, a recent graduate of St. John's University and now a reporter for DeSales' official newspaper, The Tablet, shared her experiences as a journalist. Venter, who converted to the Catholic faith while studying at St. John's, discussed the challenges of being a non-"cradle Catholic" journalist and the importance of research and interviewing skills. She emphasized the power of stories based on a person's lived experience, stating, "The most powerful stories are based on a person's struggle."

The panelists' message resonated with the students in attendance. Dea Hoxha, a third-year journalism student and Editor-in-Chief of The Torch, expressed how valuable it was to hear from professionals in the field. She appreciated the insights shared by professionals who are just starting their careers, as it provided essential career guidance and inspiration.

The Journalist Series, organized by St. John's University, has been bringing professionals to campus since 2019 to discuss industry trends and employment possibilities. The series aims to provide students with practical advice and best practices from experienced professionals. Previous panelists have included journalists from WCBS-TV, CNBC, and ABC News.

The recent panel discussion with the DeSales Media Group highlighted the importance of holding true to industry values in journalism. The insights shared by Alicia Venter, Michelle Powers, and Christine Persichette served as a reminder to St. John's students that a commitment to these principles will lead to lasting success in the industry. The event opened the students' minds to the possibility of working in local or faith-based media, providing them with new career options to consider.